Winter Carnival featuring fishing, food and family fun Feb. 19

The 2022 Winter Carnival will feature a range of family-friendly events and activities for all ages throughout the day Saturday, Feb. 19, beginning with a kids ice fishing derby on Highland Lake at 9 a.m. (Registration starts at 8 a.m.) Other events include a snowman-making contest, juggling by Rick Hagerstrom, a chili contest, horse-drawn wagon rides, a hot air balloon walk-through and a town-wide scavenger hunt. The ever-popular “Freezing for a Reason” polar dip to benefit Harvest Hills Animal Shelter is at 1 p.m. and the ice rink at the Town Hall will be available all day with music and food. An ice bar will be available for those 21 and older and fireworks will cap off the day of festivities at 6 p.m.

Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses are sponsoring the event. Winter Carnival buttons allowing access to all events cost $5 and may be purchased at the chamber office at 263 Main St. For a full schedule of events and more information, see gblrcc.org/winter-carnival, call 647-3472 or email info@gblrcc.org.

Help victims of domestic violence

Dog on the Porch, located at 59 Main St., is collecting donations of various items for Through These Doors, an organization that helps victims of domestic violence and abuse. Most needed are baby and children’s clothing and diapers; kitchen equipment such as coffee makers, toasters, microwave and toaster ovens; women’s clothing and underwear; toiletries and new bedding. Items do not have to be new (except bedding) but they should be clean, in good condition and/or in good working order. Donations can be brought to the store by March 18 and left on the front porch if the store is not open. For more information, send a text message to 203-530-9964.

Free COVID-19 testing

Free PCR rapid testing for COVID-19 is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St. (behind Renys). The testing is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and is open to everyone. Do not come if you are ill. This testing has been organized by Rotarian and Health Officer Cathy Pinkham and administered by CrossRoads of Saco. To learn more, call the BCC at 647-3116.

Calling all motorcyclists

Motorcycle enthusiasts interested in joining the American Legion Riders Chapter 67 in Bridgton are welcome to attend a meeting to learn more about the Riders and their fundraising work. The location and time of the meeting have yet to be determined and will be posted on the Riders’ Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074772035355. Contact Chapter 67 director Bill O’Neil at 595-1172 with any questions.

Perri Black can be reached at perrilb@gmail.com or 647-8272.